The Santa Clarita Valley’s local television station was thrilled to see Production Specialist Halie Cook named one of the community’s “40 Under Forty.” The awards will be presented by JCI Santa Clarita at a gala dinner Nov. 12 at the TPC Valencia.

The annual awards recognize the efforts of young professionals who are active in the SCV community, presented by JCI in partnership with the Magazine of Santa Clarita and with support from the SCV Chamber of Commerce.

“She is a true community partner,” said Realtor Mike Bjorkman, the “SCV Today” co-host who nominated Cook for the award. “She keeps SCV up to date with breaking news and stories we rely on and never asks to be in the limelight.”

In addition to general assignment reporting, she also focuses on schools and nonprofit organizations. She also produces the daily newscast, SCV NewsBreak, and manages the station’s interns.

“My favorite part of my job is finding stories about people and things around Santa Clarita that are unique,” she said. “In terms of nonprofits, I try to bring as much attention to them as I possibly can.”

Cook has been with SCVTV since 2014 as a multimedia journalist, photographer and videographer, and is studying journalism and sociology at California State University, Northridge. Prior to attending CSUN, she was involved with College of the Canyons’ Cougar News program, and she has also done work for Dateline NBC in New York.

“Halie is fantastic. She’s been called our Energizer Bunny and it’s apropos,” SCVTV President Leon Worden said. “She has a powerful work ethic that drives her to get the job done right, and a personality that lights up the room.”

The awards are presented to those under age 40 who have started and grown their own business; serve on nonprofit boards and committees; work with children and young people; have excelled in their careers; or are political or community servants.

SCVTV Production Manager Kris Kelso echoed Worden’s sentiments.

“Halie brings a dedication to news and storytelling that few possess,” he said. “Her passion for reporting, writing and journalism helps make everyone here up their game to work at her level.”

The 2015 40 Under Forty list also includes: Julie O’Dell, HomeSmart NCG; Mark Barraza, Vertical Wellness, Mark Kagoan, Robinson Ranch Golf Course; Mitchel Hacker, Signal Multimedia; Alexis Crane, William S. Hart Union High School District; Chris Schrage, LBW Insurance and Financial Services; Laura Eelkema, SCV Chamber of Commerce; Alexis Blades, Valley Village; Claudia Lopez, Antelope Valley Press; Eddie Fernandez, Vargo Physical Therapy; Kyle Duffy , Optimus Computing, LLC; Allen Wolfe, Northwestern Mutual; Crystal Molidor, Realty Executives; Jordan Ulch, The Rettig Corp.; Dan Ianotti, Daniel J. Ianotti, DDS Inc.; Alyssa Renne, Renne’s Design and Event Planning; Mariane Doyle, William S. Hart Union High School District; Breanne DeMack, Breanne DeMack Designs; Daylene Meuschke, COC; Wyatt Woodson, Congressman Steve Knight; Ryan Theule, COC; Stephanie Cornthwaite, American Red  Cross; Erika Kirk, LAPD; Robert Cohen, Cohen Law; Kirsten Quinn, Prime Publications; David Barkow, Scan Forward; Dave Ponek, David Ponek Insurance Agency; Falon Renteria, Soroptimist International of SCV; Charity Mosher, The New You Salon; Deanna Costa, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital; George Andrews, Andrews Communications; Scott Crayon, Cherry Creek Mortgage Co.; Rob Cruikshank, 24/7 Events; Robert Walker, Academy of the Canyons; Perry Smith, Valley Industry and Commerce Association; Riley Weinstein; Jennifer Partida, Perfect Maid Services; Juliet Fine, West Ranch High School; Angela Hicks, Angela Hicks Vocal Studio.

About SCVTV
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, SCVTV can be seen on Time Warner Cable Channel 20, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 and streaming online at SCVTV.com. The station also operates the channels for the William S. Hart Union High School District, the city of Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Community College District and the Saugus, Newhall, Castaic and Sulphur Springs school districts. SCVTV also provides video production and other media services to schools, nonprofit organizations and businesses.